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Things To Do in London in November

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This post covers things to do in November in London, including nighttime, free, as well as family-friendly options, all updated for 2022.

For ideas of things to do at any time of year, check out our master post of things to do in London.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

In this section, we will give you our own top 10 list of entertaining activities available in London during the month of November.

For more popular activities in London, make sure to check our other popular London Posts: 

Some of the attractions we will mention below are included for free with several of the many tourist attraction discount passes.

1) Go to a Live Concert

There are several great concerts taking place in London this month. No matter what your favorite genre is, chances are you’ll find a fun show to attend.

Here are a few of the more notable options you may want to consider:

There's also the Pitchfork Music Festival taking place at the Roundhouse on November 13th, and a tribute to (film score) composer Ennio Morricone at O2 on November 28th.

Click here to see all the concerts in London.

2) Attend a Sporting Event

The football season will be kicking into action this November with several great teams competing against one another in and around London.

If you’re looking for a match to attend, consider cheering on one of the following teams:

Rugby fans will be happy to hear that the there will be a semi final of the Rugby World Cup in London on November 12th, and the Killik Cup will be hosted at Twickenham Stadium on November 13th.

Find all of London's sporting events here.

3) Enjoy a Night of Stand-Up Comedy

It seems like there are always at least a few notable comedians performing stand-up in London each month, and November will be no different.

If you're in need of a good laugh, consider one of the following shows:

For even more great stand-up, check this list of comedy shows in London.

4) Take a London Walking Tour

If you’re interested in learning more about the city of London, you might want to consider taking one of our pay-what-you-wish walking tours.

London Walking Tours

We offer a variety of tours that cover several different areas including the following options:

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In addition to those options, you can also take a themed tour focusing on topics such as Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes.

Finally, anyone looking for a more quiet and personal outing may want to think about taking either a self-guided tour or one of our GPS-enabled audio tours instead.

For more details on these services, make sure to read our post about London Walking Tours.

5) Save Some Money With a Tourist Pass

There are several London tourist attraction discount passes which allow you to save money on popular activities.

Some services also provide skip-the-line admission, making it easy to save time as well.

While some tourist passes provide admission to dozens of different attractions over the course of a set number of days, others offer the option to pay for a specific number of attractions instead.

In addition to those options, you can also build your own pass and save 20% on as few as 2 different attractions.

This is a much easier option that doesn’t require much thought or preparation.

Here are some of the best places you can visit using a London tourist pass:

Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you could save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices.

For more details, please read our post covering London tourist attraction discount passes.

6) See a Hit Musical

London tends to attract some of the biggest productions in the world, and that isn’t about to change anytime soon.

The month of November will be filled with several great musicals to see! 

Also, some holiday shows begin their runs in November, so check our post on Christmas and Holiday Shows to see what's playing.

It’ll be difficult to pick just one, but if we had to make a recommendation, we would suggest Mary Poppins.

Not only is this a beloved and classic tale, but it’s also family-friendly and perfect for audiences of all ages.

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider one of the following options instead:

TIP: The London Sightseeing Pass includes an Encore Theatre Passport you can use to get tickets to many of these musicals.

7) Go to the Regent Street Motor Show

Even if you don’t fancy yourself an automobile aficionado, chances are you’ll find something of interest at this event. 

Showcasing over 125 years of motor history, you can expect to see some of the oldest running autos alongside the most innovative technology in the industry.

In addition to all of the cars on display, you’ll also have the opportunity to see interactive exhibits and live entertainment at the show.

Best of all, this family-friendly event is entirely free to attend!

  • Admission is free
  • Date: November 6th
  • Location: Regent Street
  • Hours: 10:30 am – 4 pm
  • Learn more here

For more affordable activities, please read our free things to do section.

TIP: The Regent Street Motor Show will run all the way from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus. Since you will be in the area, make sure to check our post for things to see at Piccadilly Circus.

8) Celebrate Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Night

In celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, several traditional events will take place between November 2nd – 5th. 

The Yeoman of the Guard at the Houses of Parliament will check the cellars to make sure that there is no Gunpowder Plot afoot. 

While this is happening, many citizens of London will take part in burning effigies of Guy Fawkes at bonfires. 

Although these are fun and interesting traditions, the easiest activity to enjoy will be the fireworks shows.

During this event, there will be several fireworks displays available all over London. 

Here are a few locations you can visit during Bonfire Night to see fireworks:

  • Battersea Park
  • Southwark
  • Victoria Park
  • Brockwell Park
  • Wembley Park
  • And More!

If you’re looking for some other fun nighttime activities, make sure to check our things to do at night section.

9) Observe Armistice Day/Remembrance Day

After the fun and excitement of the Lord Mayor’s Show, the city of London will become a little more somber as Armistice Day/Remembrance Day follows on November 13th – 14th. 

This event is all about honoring and remembering the moment when WWI came to an end.

It is traditional to set aside some time during the day to share a moment of silence for the lives lost during this historic battle. 

One of the biggest attractions will be a parade held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Queen will be in attendance along with several representatives of the military.

It will be crowded, but one of the free things available to enjoy.

As you might have guessed, you can expect traffic delays during both Armistice Day and Remembrance Day. T

hat said, there are plenty of interesting activities to enjoy throughout the city. 

One location you may want to consider visiting is the Churchill War Rooms, which can be found just a block away from the Cenotaph.

TIP: With some roads being blocked off during this weekend, you might want to consider using the London Underground to get around.

10) Watch The Lord Mayor’s Show

In celebration of the new Lord Mayor of London, the city will be throwing a huge celebration early in November.

During this event, you can expect to see a lot of pageantries as a coach pulls the new Lord Mayor down a three-mile stretch of London.

As such, even if you don’t take part in this ‘day out,’ you can expect a lot more traffic and more difficulty reaching many locations in the city during the Lord Mayor’s Show.

With a history dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the most popular events in London.

To this day, many traditions from hundreds of years ago are upheld and followed by both the Lord Mayor and everyone taking part in the pageantry.

There are hundreds of floats planned and 6,000 performers on hand, so there will be plenty to see and experience during this show.

You’ll find even more inexpensive events in our free things to do section.

NOTE: The procession of the Lord Mayor’s Show always passes by St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re interested in visiting this location, make sure to read our post about how to get free entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

In this section, we will offer a few different ideas for free things you can enjoy in London during the month of November.

Check our post about free things to do in London for more possibilities.

If you’re looking for more fun and free activities, make sure to check our other sections for events such as going on a walking tour, listening to some music at the London Jazz Festival, or going to the Lord Mayor’s Show.

See Holiday Lighting Displays

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means that there will be quite a few people putting up lights for Christmas.

In addition to individual displays, you can also expect several notable locations to start the season early.

We have a post with more in-depth information about these locations.

Oxford Street is one popular site that will light up the cold November nights.

This display is typically very traditional and simplistic, with lit baubles strung across the road and seemingly hanging in the air after dark.

If you’re looking for a slightly more modern take on holiday lighting, consider a trip to Carnaby Street.

In years past, the display included lyrics from the popular Queen song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’

Although there’s no way of knowing exactly when most of the lighting displays will be switched on this year, it’s very likely that most of them will start up sometime in November.

This is a great free activity, and many of the locations where you will find holiday lights displays (including Oxford Street and Carnaby Street) are very close to stops included on hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

If you’re already done with the tour and you still have a few days left on your ticket, consider using this service to go on your own little Christmas lights tour!

Go to a Free Museum

There are several museums you can visit for free in London.

Some of the more popular locations will actually have some interesting exhibits available during the month of November. 

Although general admission is free for most of these museums, some exhibits and attractions will require a ticket.

Here are a few of the more popular options:

If you’re looking for even more places to visit, make sure to read our post about free museums in London.

Experience the Changing of the Guard

No matter when you choose to visit London, you’ll probably have an opportunity to witness this event. 

This ritual is always free to see, and you can learn more about the best viewing areas by reading our post about the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The only thing you’ll have to pay for is transportation, and there are many ways to get here.

Depending on where you’re staying in the city, you could just decide to walk there, but this might be a bit of a trek for many visitors. 

Thankfully, you will find both hop-on-hop-off bus tour stops and four London Underground stations nearby.

NOTE: If you’re interested in visiting, keep in mind that you can also see both the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews while you’re there. For more information, please read our post about Buckingham Palace tours.

Go to a Winter Festival

With the holidays right around the corner, it probably won’t come as a surprise that there are several winter festivals and events taking place throughout the month of November.

One of the most popular yearly events is Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Starting on November 18th, this festival will include several shows and activities including Christmas markets and Santa Land.

Another great option is the Southbank Centre Wintertime Festival. This is more of a Christmas marketplace than anything else, but you are entirely free to visit and take a look around starting in mid-November.

If you’re looking for a different kind of winter festival or activity, consider one of the following additional attractions that will be available starting this month:

  • Christmas at Kew | Nov 16th
  • Country Living Christmas Fair | Nov 9th – Nov 13th

TIP: There are nearby stops provided by hop-on-hop-off bus tours for some of the Winter Festival locations. If you’re already planning on using one of these services, this could be a great way to get from one event to the next.

THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NOVEMBER

The following section will feature a variety of activities you can enjoy after dark in London during November.

Read our post about what to do in London at night for more possibilities.

For additional ideas, make sure to check our other sections for attractions and events such as seeing the Christmas lights, going ice skating, experience Bonfire Night, attending a concert or seeing a musical.

Attend the London Jazz Festival

If you’re a fan of Jazz, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. Over a total of 10 days, you’ll have the opportunity to hear some of the best performers in the world. 

In addition to various concerts, there will also be events aimed at teaching children all about the genre.

Ticket prices vary depending on which event you choose to attend, but there are some activities that will be free to attend.

NOTE: If jazz isn’t your thing, check our list of concerts in November for more ideas.

Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day

On November 30th, Scottish people celebrate St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Although it’s not a bank holiday in England, you can still expect a lot of people in London to take part in the celebrations.

Many of the celebratory events held on this day take place in the evening, making this an excellent idea for something to do after dark. As a matter of fact, there’s actually a St. Andrew’s Day Ball held at Whitehall Palace. 

If that sounds a bit too dressy for you, consider a meal at restaurants such as the Scottish Stores or Boisdale.

If you plan on using a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, consider making a stop at areas such as Kings Cross and Victoria Station, as you will find popular Scottish restaurants nearby.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN NOVEMBER

This section will include a few different family-friendly activities you can enjoy in London during the month of November.

If you’re looking for even more possibilities, consider reading our guide to visiting London with kids.

For additional ideas, make sure to check our other sections for attractions and events like free museums, seeing Christmas lights, and going to the Regent Street Motor Show.

Experience Hogwarts in the Snow

Starting in November, Warner Bros. Studios in London will be altering their Harry Potter tour to add snow and a wintery backdrop to each set. 

Locations such as The Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room will be decorated for the holiday season, and the Hogwarts castle itself will be given a nice blanket of snow. 

If you’ve got any fans of the franchise in your family, this is an obvious choice you won’t want to skip over.

  • Tickets: £51.50/Adults | £40/Children
  • Family Tickets (2 Adults, 2 Kids): £160
  • Dates: November 12th – January 15th 2023
  • Duration: 3 ½ hours
  • Location: Warner Bros Studio Tour London
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.
  • You can get 20% off with the use of a London City Pass

TIP: If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, consider taking our pay-what-you-like Harry Potter walking tour.

Go Ice Skating

There will be more than a few skating rinks opening up during the winter, but there are two popular locations in particular that will open in November.

One notable option is the Natural History Museum. Their ice rink will be available throughout the month from 10 am – 9 pm. .Most skating sessions will give you about 50 minutes, but there are some options to skate even longer.

If you’re looking for an alternative, consider making a trip to Somerset House, which typically begins its skating season in November.

Tickets for 1-hour skate sessions will be available throughout the day from 10 am – 9:30 pm.

Ticket prices will range from £11 – £13 per person at each skating rink.

NOTE: If you’re interested in going to the Natural History Museum, make sure to check our free things to do section for more information about general admission.

Go to the Enchanted Woodland

In addition to all the great Christmas lighting displays that are going up all over the city, there is a similar event taking place at Syon Park. 

The Enchanted Woodland is a special attraction that is only available in November. During this activity, many park areas will be lit up with a variety of dazzling decorations.

  • Friday Tickets: £10/Adults | £7.5/Children
  • Sat & Sun Tickets: £12.5/Adults | £7.5/Children
  • Family Tickets are also available
  • Dates: Every Fri, Sat, Sun from Nov 11th – Nov 27th
  • Hours: 5 pm – 7:40 pm
  • Location: Syon Park
  • Purchase or learn more.

TIP: If you are in the market for a more festive light display, the Kew Gardens are right across the river from Syon Park and their Christmas Festival begins on November 20th.

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About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries.
Updated: March 12th, 2023
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